Last Updated: May 2026
After spending 7 days onboard a Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise as an Australian celiac only eating gluten free, I was genuinely impressed by how easy the experience was.
Eating gluten free while travelling can be stressful but Virgin Voyages made this surprisingly easy compared to my expectations. I was so worried that I would not be able to enjoy the food and relax but the staff were so well educated and there were so many options that I never felt like an inconvenience!
I felt completely safe eating in the restaurants with the staff awareness and ordering process. In my first hand review from my real experience I cover:
- What restaurants are best for gluten free
- Are there desserts for gluten free?
- What is the staff awareness like?
- Did I feel safe?
- How easy was being gluten free on Virgin Voyages?
- Was I inconvenient?
Table of Contents
Why Trust This Gluten Free Review?
I am a celiac who personally sailed the itinerary. We paid for the cruise ourselves and I ate gluten free the entire cruise. I tested restaurants, the galley and snack options. This is not a sponsored review, it is my real firsthand experience. (Note – celiac is spelt coeliac in Australia)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Verdict – Is Virgin Voyages Good For Gluten Free Travellers?
⭐ Overall Gluten Free Experience: 9/10
🍽 Best feature: Restaurant quality & staff knowledge
⚠ Biggest downside: Need restaurant reservations early
✅ Would I sail again gluten free? Absolutely
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gluten Free Safety | 10/10 |
| Staff Knowledge | 10/10 |
| Restaurant Variety | 9/10 |
| Desserts | 9/10 |
| Pizza Base | 6.5/10 |
| Overall | 9/10 |
| Planning a Virgin Voyages Cruise? |
|---|
| Book through our referral link and new sailors receive: 🍹 $150 in bar tab to purchase specialty beverages on your cruise! 👉 Book your Virgin Voyages cruise here |
How Virgin Voyages Handles Gluten Free Dining
I was so concerned about being celiac and having to eat a gluten free diet on the cruise, I didn’t want to have to miss out and feel like I wasn’t getting value for money. What I discovered is how incredibly well the Virgin Voyages staff handle allergies. It was better than I hoped for, this is how my allergy was handled:
Staff Awareness & Seriousness
The staff were hyper aware of my allergy and all the possibilities that were available to me. Now I am actually celiac and have a seafood allergy so I made it even more difficult for them but they handled it with ease. They were very knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable. At no stage did I feel like an inconvenience (which I usually do).
The staff were so serious about my allergy and confident, knew the menus inside and out and also offered me changes that weren’t on the menu but knew the chef could and would do. It was honestly such a relief! Usually it is embarrassing, there are problems and I have to send food back. The only time I sent food back on this cruise was when I couldn’t fit any more in! The staff on Virgin Voyages should be commended on their excellent knowledge and manner in dealing with allergies.
The Allergy Process
I had been expecting to fill in a form or tick boxes on the booking process for Virgin Voyages about my allergy but this was not the case. Nothing was brought up until my first restaurant reservation. When we were seated the staff member immediately asked if we had any allergies. I explained I was celiac and seafood allergic and they immediately plugged the information into my guest history.
This meant that every single time I sat in a restaurant the staff member serving us would immediately address me with “Good evening Kelly I can see here you are celiac and have a seafood allergy let me run you through the menu so you can see what is available for you”. I was in shock. It was so organised and I didn’t have to ask anything, it was all ready for me. I truly appreciated this and felt like Virgin Voyages cared about people with allergies.
Menus
The menus in all restaurants had gluten free (gf) clearly marked by any applicable food options, and there were many. In fact, most foods were gluten free or could be altered to be made that way. I again was so shocked at how many options I had. We loved that I could eat ‘normally’ with Mike and didn’t have to cause a massive fuss at every meal.
Ordering System
Once the staff member had run through the options with me, pointing out what was gluten free and what could be made that way they took my order first. Once I was finished, they took Mike’s order.
Is Virgin Voyages Safe For Celiac Disease?
As someone with celiac (celiac) disease, I felt very safe on Virgin Voyages. I didn’t see any instance of cross contamination when ordering from the Galley, in fact I was usually told that ‘if I could wait a minute they would cook it separately’ which I really appreciated. The staff knowledge was high as was adhering to these procedures. I loved their allergy tracking system, each restaurant was ready for me when we arrived because of this. I did not get sick the entire time I was on the cruise and I felt extremely confident.
Was it difficult to eat gluten free on Virgin Voyages?
It was so easy to eat gluten free aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise. Their organisation and training shone through making my time so much easier and better. I usually struggle with feeling like an inconvenience in all food ordering situations but the staff on Virgin Voyages made me feel like my allergies were not an issue at all. They were very confident and kind, I was told countless times, “don’t apologise we just want to make sure you are safe”. What more can a celiac ask for?!
What Gluten Free Food Can You Eat On Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages has The Galley for breakfast and lunch which is a large area filled with stalls featuring different food types such as tacos, burgers, salads, sushi, noodles, etc. At every station there was a gluten free option. As the staff member serves everyone, it is not a buffet they are very organised for gluten free requests. For example, at the burger station the staff member changed gloves, used a separate fryer for my chips and freshly made the burger in lettuce. Every stall had a gluten free option which was excellent.
The restaurants all had multiple gluten free options on their menus. The gluten free options and substitutions did not cost any extra. For example at the Italian restaurant there was gluten free pasta available, it didn’t cost any extra.
The Pizza Place had a gluten free base which didn’t cost extra, it was made separately and almost all the toppings were gluten free.
In The Galley there was a dessert area with lots of gluten free options. Each type of cake was on a different tray but the trays were all lined up next to each other so if you wanted to you could ask for them to get it from the fridge where the larger trays were kept.
Breakfast was at the Galley, in Razzle Dazzle or The Wake by booking only. Each of these had gluten free options. The Galley had freshly made gf pancakes that were delicious and the gf french toast at The Wake was a real treat.
Virgin Voyages Restaurants Ranked For Gluten Free Travellers
The Wake Gluten Free Review
The Wake was my favourite and the fanciest of the restaurants. Its speciality was steak and it was very good! I had the eye fillet, NZ lamb chops, vegetables, a crispy polenta, pana cotta and lemon cheesecake. Every meal I had there was incredible, if I could have eaten there every day I would have, the atmosphere was a little more elevated. (You can only book each restaurant twice per cabin)
My rating 10/10
Pink Agave Gluten Free Review
Pink Agave is the Mexican restaurant on Virgin Voyages and it is done really well. There are some really good dishes, I had the cochinita pibil, guacamole (without the corn chips), the roasted duck, a stuffed chilli and a delicious chocolate tamale for dessert. The food is delicious and it is very easy to eat a lot, the atmosphere is relaxed.
My rating 7.5/10
Extra Virgin Gluten Free Review
Extra Virgin is Virgin Voyages the Italian restaurant and it is super popular. The decor is cool retro vibes and the atmosphere is relaxed fine dining. I loved that I could get the antipasto with gluten free bread and the order as many of the pasta dishes as I wanted and they would be made with gluten free pasta. The mushroom pasta and the sauce that came with the gnocchi and both were delicious. I also had the crispy artichoke, eggplant parmigiana and chestnut castagnaccio.
My Rating 8.5/10
Razzle Dazzle Gluten Free Options
We only had one meal at Razzle Dazzle, we had booked in for breakfast on our first morning. It was nice but not memorable and honestly I would rather go to the Galley to save time. The service was as wonderful as all the other restaurants but it wasn’t for us. I had the full breakfast with gluten free bread.
My Rating 7/10
Test Kitchen Gluten Free Options
The Test Kitchen is quite a unique concept, a set menu for the evening, there is a vegetarian and meat option full of different flavour combinations.
There are also gluten free options so you can mix and match as you need. I can’t say this was my favourite meal on board. There was an option for me at every course but the flavours weren’t always to my liking, this is what it is about though, trying things out of your comfort zone! We went with Menu C (there are 3 rotating menus, A, B and C), and I ate Eggplant / Nori, Vegetable Papillote, Cheese Tart, Study of Chicken, Coconut / Berries. The best part was the study of chicken which may be the best chicken dish I have ever had. The rest just so-so.
I would absolutely go back to try the other menus as it was a really great experience and honestly it was cool to try different things I wouldn’t usually choose myself.
My Rating 5/10
The Galley Gluten Free Options
We really loved the Galley, they had a lot on offer and it was really well organised. The staff here understood about allergies, when I asked for gluten free they changed gloves and cooked my food separately. I ate lettuce wrapped burgers with chips (cooked in separate fryer), tacos, omelettes, bacon, eggs benedict. This is also where you will find the soft drink, tea and coffee machines.
There was a sweets area with little cakes and there were at least 4 gluten free options each time. I was obsessed with these and had at least 2 every day. (note-they are all sitting on trays next to each other with only gf on a tray but non gf on the next tray and if you want they will get them from the fridge). They also have gluten free banana muffins here in the mornings, kept away separately so you have to ask for them.
My Rating 8/10
Pizza Place
This one is hard because I loved the Pizza Place and it was one of the best options for lunch. BUT the gluten free pizza bases were kind of thick and stodgy. Compared to the traditional Italian looking pizzas that Mike was getting, the gf ones were just missing the mark. I do love that it is an option, there are some great toppings and the staff are so organised and really keep your gf pizza separate. But I have to be honest and honestly, it is just ok……to the point I had a couple and then couldn’t have them anymore because they were just too stodgy. I really hope they source some new gf pizza bases because there are so many better options out there! In summary, I love that it is an option, but couldn’t continue to eat them and waste most of the base every time.
My Rating 6.5/10
Ice cream Shop
The ice cream shop was great! There were lots of gf ice-cream flavours and each time the staff served someone they asked if there was an allergy. I would tell them yes, gluten free and they would immediately change gloves and go to the freezer with a new scoop to get my ice-cream from the fresh tubs so there was no cross contamination. You could not ask for more! Sometimes the ice-cream was a little icy but the flavours were great.
My Rating 8.5/10
Did I Feel Safe Eating Gluten Free On Virgin Voyages?
Yes I absolutely felt safe eating gluten free on Virgin Voyages. The staff were so knowledgeable, they understood my cross contamination concerns so well that I didn’t have to keep asking about them. I did not get sick once the whole time and I ate exclusively on the boat. We only bought drinks while at port, I chose not to risk food. I totally trusted the food and the staff, the service staff and kitchens communicated so well, it was truly excellent.
Related Virgin Voyages Guides
- Virgin Voyages Caribbean Review
- Virgin Voyages Food Review
- Caribbean Cruise Guide
- MSC Cruise Review
- MSC Gluten Free Review
Best Gluten Free Foods I Ate Onboard
This is my round up of the best gluten free foods I ate onboard:
- Dessert: It is a tie between the lemon cheesecake at The Wake and the hazelnut cake at The Galley.
- Breakfast: The Wake gf french toast and the gf pancakes at The Galley.
- Dinner: NZ lamb chops at The Wake
- Snack: The gf banana muffin
- Gluten free meal overall: NZ lamb chops in the The Wake
What I Didn’t Love About Eating Gluten Free On Virgin Voyages
The things that I didn’t love about the gluten free options on Virgin Voyages were:
- the pizza base at the Pizza Place, it was too thick and stodgy
- that there were no gf corn chips for the guacamole, this seems like a simple thing to fix
- there were no gluten free ice-cream cones, this would be a nice touch
Tips For Eating Gluten Free On Virgin Voyages
It is really easy to eat gluten free on Virgin Voyages, these are my top tips for eating gluten free:
- Book restaurants ASAP, we were on the app ready to book when it opened for us and got something at the restaurants we wanted but spoke to lots others who missed out.
- You will more than likely be asked at your first reservation if there are any allergies but if not tell staff immediately.
- Avoid peak dining times in the Galley if possible so that the staff have more time to organise your food, we sometimes had to wait a little longer if it was busy.
- We booked a restaurant for every night, I loved how good they were for gluten free.
- If you are unsure about anything, ask questions. The staff are really well educated in allergies and can help or will go ask the kitchen.
- I thought I would have to bring backup snacks but I really didn’t feel like I needed them at all.
- Make sure you download and use the app, you will have all your reservations on there.
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Virgin Voyages vs Other Cruise Lines For Gluten Free Travellers
We went on our Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise, then shortly afterwards went on an MSC Bahamas cruise, this is our comparison.
| Feature | Virgin Voyages | MSC |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten free awareness | Excellent | Moderate |
| Included dining | Excellent | Basic / moderate |
| Restaurant quality | Premium | Standard |
| Staff understanding | Strong | Mixed |
Who Is Virgin Voyages Best For If You’re Gluten Free?
Best for:
- couples
- food lovers
- adults
- premium travellers
- celiac travellers wanting easier cruising and easier travel
Not ideal for:
- ultra budget travellers
- families with kids
- traditional cruise lovers
How Much Does Virgin Voyages Cost?
This is the approximate breakdown of a Virgin Voyages cruise:
| Item | Typical Cost in USD |
|---|---|
| Cruise fare | ~ $1,800 up to $3500+ |
| Drinks | Included water, coffee, tea and soft drink. (Extra charges for Beer ~$7-9, Wine ~$11, Cocktails ~$11-15) |
| Excursions | Start from ~$70 up to $3000 |
| Bar tab | Bar tab can be added to your stay from $200 – $1000. This is used for specialty drinks above. (Check out our offer – free $150 bar tab with each cruise – new sailors only.) |
| Extras | Hair dressers, beauty/spa services, tattoo etc all vary |
Is Virgin Voyages Worth It For Gluten Free Travellers?
Yes, a Virgin Voyages cruise is definitely worth it for gluten free travellers as there is so much on offer for us. Firstly, the reduced stress involved with finding safe food, the endless questions about cross contamination and the fear of getting sick are pretty much eliminated as the staff are so organised and well educated on the topic.
The convenience is second to none. Mike and I were able to eat at every restaurant and snack spot at the same time and without fuss. This is so rare, usually I have to interrogate staff and then live in fear that I will get sick but that just wasn’t an issue for me here. I could arrive at any food stall in the galley and be served at any time.
The food is of a very high quality, everything is fresh and really well prepared. Most of the menu was or could be made gluten free in almost every restaurant. I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all, in any situation.
I would absolutely book with Virgin Voyages again, in fact I am already trying to convince Mike that we need to go on another cruise and see the Western Caribbean. We both felt that the price of the cruise was already justified for the all inclusive, high quality nature of the entire package. That I could easily eat gluten free safely was the icing on the cake. Virgin Voyages is absolutely worth it for gluten free travellers.
How to Get the $150 Free Bar Tab Bonus
🍹 New Virgin Voyages sailors receive a FREE $150 USD bar tab when booking through our referral link.
Use it for cocktails, wine, specialty coffee and premium drinks onboard.
FAQ – Virgin Voyages Gluten Free Review
Is Virgin Voyages good for celiac (coeliac) disease?
Yes, Virgin Voyages is excellent for gluten free travellers with celiac disease. I took a 7-day cruise with Virgin Voyages and my allergy was completely cared for by the staff.
Does Virgin Voyages have gluten free menus?
Virgin Voyages does not have separate gluten free menus but has many gluten free dishes on each restaurant menu, the staff are very well versed in allergies and can direct you to the options which are also clearly labelled.
Is gluten free food included on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, gluten free food is included on Virgin Voyages, there is no extra surcharge for the gf add-ons or options and it is really good!
Can you eat safely gluten free on cruises?
I ate safely for our 7-day Virgin Voyages cruise in the Caribbean. I did not get sick or have any problems at all.
Does Virgin Voyages handle food allergies well?
Virgin Voyages has some of the best food allergy procedures I have encountered. The staff are well trained, the options are seemingly endless and they have a digital system where every restaurant is aware of your allergy.
What restaurants are best for gluten free on Virgin Voyages?
Honestly all of the restaurants had multiple gluten free options on their menus, I preferred The Wake the best but they were all good.
Are gluten free desserts available?
I was so excited with the range of gluten free desserts. Each restaurant had a gluten free option available or could offer for it to be made gf. The Galley had multiple gf cakes available each day with different rotating flavours.
Is Virgin Voyages better than MSC for gluten free travellers?
In my experience both were good but Virgin Voyages was much better than MSC for gluten free travellers because they do not have a buffet. On Virgin Voyages you eat in restaurants and are served in the Galley. This means the food is very well controlled for allergies. On MSC there is a small gluten free section, with about 4-5 rotating dishes each night and they are usually not very exciting and often with seafood which I am also allergic to.
Final Verdict – Would We Cruise Virgin Voyages Gluten Free Again?
As a celiac who only eats gluten free I would absolutely cruise with Virgin Voyages again. They made it so easy and I never felt like an inconvenience. At all times my allergy was catered to without fuss or confusion. The staff were well trained and the systems put in place were organised and thorough. I felt safe and happy the whole time knowing that I could eat at all the venues without having to worry. I loved this experience and would highly recommend to all other gluten free celiacs for their cruise.
| If you’re gluten free and considering Virgin Voyages, I would happily book with them again. New sailors can also get a FREE $150 USD bar tab through our referral link here. |
Plan your trip:
→ Antigua Cruise Port Day Guide
→ MSC Bahamas Review
→ Ocean Cay Cruise Port Day Guide
→ Barbados Cruise Port Day Guide
→ St Maarten Cruise Port Day Guide
→ MSC Gluten Free Review
→ Virgin Voyages Review
→ Nassau Cruise Port Day Guide
→ Curacao Guide
→ Aruba Guide
Want to see it all in action? Watch our full Caribbean series on YouTube (subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our travel guides) and follow along on Instagram @passport_nomads and @kelly___buckley for real-time travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes moments.
We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
